Would you like to try showing this year? Here are some ideas on the work you need to do in order to prepare for show ring success.

Homework

The glamour and elegance witnessed in the show ring at county level is mesmerising, however the local unaffiliated shows are also most enjoyable and rewarding, if the homework and preparation has been done. The most common misconception is that in order to partake in a show, whichever class, it only needs a clean horse/pony and a clean turnout - but in order to be successful, dedication and commitment is required.

First and foremost, you must truthfully place your horse in the correct showing bracket. We all think our own horse is the most beautiful correct creature ever made and sometimes we believe our Hunter is a Hack. Never be afraid to ask a professional show producer, instructor or county level competitor which sort of class your horse will be best suited to. You may be surprised at the answer, however once this very important part is determined, your hard work and enthusiasm will not be in vain and you will not waste money in joining the wrong associations.

Secondly, be under no illusion that competing in a show class is easy. It is not; either on yourself or your horse - working-in on arrival at a show, being judged for, on average, an hour or maybe more, then possibly doing it all again for another class demands a high level of show fitness. This does not mean the same fitness as an eventer, hunter or racehorse; however the preparation should be no less structured.

FitnessHacking out on roads is a good way to build strength in your horse, to keep him sweet and to socialise him around other horses. Build your work and distance up gradually and never just hammer up the roads as it may encourage splints. Remember to keep a good contact, encourage a good forward rhythm and make your horse work up to the bridle, it is work after all, not just an amble.Practise flat work for the correct outline and the suppleness but do not become robotic in repeating the same circles, with the horse's head tied down, as all this does is bore the horse and restrict his natural carriage and paces.

Always try to keep your horse interested during any work by possibly introducing some trotting poles, lungeing or if possible boxing up and visiting a new ride where you can do some canter work, not galloping, but all the time building the fitness and clearing the wind. A fit happy horse will show much better than a weak tired horse with no sparkle because he is tired or bored.

Feeding priorities

Feeding is also a very important part of producing your show horse. As with any discipline feed to his requirements and not because you think you are being kind, very often you are in fact doing the opposite.

A show horse should not be fat, but be carrying good condition, which is toned through the fitness programme and no fizzed up, as being at the show will generally be enough motivation without heating foods inside him.

There are many show feed mixes on the market and all manufacturers have gone to great length to give clear feeding instructions as to how much to feed and for what desired result - follow them and do not think Oh! I shall just give a little bit more as he worked really well today‚ he probably does not need it!

'Dummy' runs

Ideally, a young or inexperienced horse in showing would benefit enormously from a dummy run to a show in order to experience all the activity, noises, sights and sounds while not actually competing. This may benefit the rider also, to watch a class and study how it is staged, what is required of the competitors and horses, the tack and clothing used, as well as the time it takes and how they conduct themselves.If you are unable to do this ask a few friends or other livery members if you could all ride together and make up your own show. All practise walking, trotting and cantering around together, then standing in a line. One by one walk away from the others and produce a small show then rejoin the line. You may also want to all have a go at stripping the saddle off your horse and practise leading him in walk and trot. All the aspects should be practiced to avoid any problems on the day, including legging-up of someone else onto your horse. The class type you have chosen may require the judge to ride your horse so be sure your horse does not mind having someone legged up to ride him.

]]>Riding -ShowingTue, 23 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100FIVE TOP TIPS ON HOW TO RIDE SAFELY IN A COLLECTING RING!.http://horseanswerstoday.com/latest-riding-tips-and-advice/showing/item/2213-riding-your-horse-safely-in-a-collecting-ring
http://horseanswerstoday.com/latest-riding-tips-and-advice/showing/item/2213-riding-your-horse-safely-in-a-collecting-ringSpring will soon be here! Daffodils, lambs and the start of the horse show season. I’m sure a few dedicated people have persevered throughout the winter, but for the majority of people spring is when it all starts up. In light of this I wanted to raise awareness for good collecting ring etiquette. There have been too many stories recently of near misses in warm-up arenas, and we need to remind ourselves about how to ride safely and politely in the company of others. This includes simply riding in the school at your yard with other people in the ring.

Top 5 Tips:

Pass left to left – the oldest and simplest of the rules. Always pass left to left when working on the outer track. If you struggle with left and right, write an “L” and an “R” on the back of your gloves.

Walk on an inner track – this allows riders travelling at a faster speed to continue around the outside, without you getting in their way. Likewise when transitioning down to a walk check there is not someone cantering up behind you, who might not be prepared for you to slow down.

Do not block the entrance – simple courtesy mainly, but also horse can often nap leaving or entering the collecting ring or arena, so it basic safety to keep it clear for people who may be having a difficult time persuading their horse to enter or exit.

Look up! – do not ride round staring down. Firstly it will tip your centre of gravity forwards, causing your shoulders to round and straining your neck, and secondly you cannot see where you are going! Simply being observant while riding with others will make you safer in the arena. It is always good to notice that there is a horse out of control at the other end, giving you plenty of time to come back to a walk and calm your own horse down.

Red flag on right, white flag on left – if there are flags on jumps, be sure to follow this rule, thereby preventing head on collisions. Do not cross in front of jumps without being very sure that no-one is approaching and certainly do not loiter around in front of the jumps.

If everyone can follow these tips for good arena and collecting ring use, we will all have a more enjoyable time. Remember a smile goes a long way, riding and competing are meant to be fun! Also, we are all human, mistakes happen. It is very easy to get engrossed in what we are doing and forget to look around and nearly crash. But most people will be forgiving as long as you apologise. A simple “sorry” goes a long way and can prevent a small incident escalating into a massive row. Do put a green ribbon on a young horse, and a red ribbon on a kicker, so that other people are aware of your horse’s behaviour. If we all act responsibly and politely we will all enjoy ourselves.

For more information and top tips visit www.thehorsephysio.co.uk and sign up to our newsletter. Sue Palmer is a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist, an Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associate and a BHSAI.

The previous articles have outlined the type of Horse required for which Showing Class and offered you some helpful guidelines in preparation for you and your horse before the big day.

Here we will outline the art of catching the Judge's eye and producing the best impression you can.

Your Horses presentation is vital and with clever trimming and the correct well-fitting saddlery, it is possible to exaggerate the good points and possibly lessen the weaker points.

Trim whiskers, ear fluff and chins carefully and be very careful when trimming the bridle path. Make sure it is in the correct position for your bridle and do not cut it to low down the neck.

Depending on the class you have chosen will determine the tail turnout. Hunters and Cobs will have a pulled tail which if done correctly looks beautiful however if they are not it will be noted to your detriment.

The similar rule applies to a plaited tail, they can look very attractive and enhance the lines of the quarters however if it is untidy and loose it detracts the eye form the confirmation lines.

Never have the tails too long, approximately 5‚Äö√Ñ√π below the point of the hock is a rough guide however a slightly shorter tail can make the horse's backside look bigger and rounder which may well help in some class's.

Thorough grooming and strapping will encourage a glow to the horse coat which will show off the muscle and tone lines during movement.

Quarter marks can also help define strong areas, do not over do them, watch the professionals and ask for advice if unsure.

Keep your horse warm on chilly days to stop the coat standing on end and remember that intense sunshine can also bleach the darker more solid coat colours, so perhaps use a cotton summer sheet on your horse when turned out on hot sunny days.

Always keep your horse well shod as it not only looks better but will help the horse's overall balance and therefore movement.

Rider Presentation

Your presentation as the rider is equally important; be aware of the correct code for your class and abide by it, the criteria is written for your benefit and not as a rough guide, it will clearly indicate what is required. Smart, clean, well fitting clothing and highly polished boots all contribute to the overall picture which is the first impression your Judge will remember. Do not over dress, wear jewellery, over big buttonholes or white jodhpurs when showing.

The Showing season is well under way now; here we define the criteria for The British Show Horse Association classes. The previous article focused on the Sport Horse Hunter Classes where these are for the true Show types under The British Show Horse Association. In this first article we detailed the correct dress code required for all classes, below we focus on the Hack.

Dress Code for Shows

Always take great pride in your appearance and that of your horse, it does make a difference to both the way you feel and the impression the Judge sees is vital when you first enter the ring.

The general code of buff, fawn or cream breeches: neat collar and tie: blue, black or Tweed jacket, plain black long boots and brown gloves are the basis to begin with - however, at County Show levels these can vary slightly depending on the class and type of horse you are showing. Always check with organisers to be absolutely sure; you want to be noticed for the right reasons not because you are different!

The Hack

The ideal stamp for a Hack is of Thoroughbred type which is capable of carrying the average weight adult. The Hack must have excellent manners, be free-going, light in the hand and a pleasure to ride. Correct conformation is essential, the good length of shoulder and well set front end allows the Horse to exhume elegance, natural carriage and ease in movement at all paces.

Small Hack - mare or gelding four years old and over, exceeding 14.2hh (148cms) not exceeding 15.1hh (154 cms)

Large Hack - mare or gelding four years old and over, exceeding 15.1hh (154cms) not exceeding 16hh (160 cms)

The Hack is judged on type, ride, manners and conformation. An individual show is required where you will be asked to show all the paces and rein back not exceeding 1 ¬¨? minutes.

The true Show Riding Horse is between a Hack and a Hunter.They will have quality, substance, good bone and as always presence. Again the confirmation must be correct to ensure the desired effortless movement through all the paces. Although the movement should be free flowing, straight and with ease, the extravagance of a Show hack is not necessary.

Intensive home schooling and training will provide the overall picture of a horse that is relaxed but athletic, enthusiastic but controlled and fully responsive to the rider's aids.

This class will also require a Gallop, which must be practised and perfected, it can decide on the position you are placed in.

The Riding Horse classes are divided into two height restrictions: the Small Riding Horse exceeding 14.2hh and not exceeding 15.2hh and the Large Riding Horse exceeding 15.2hh.

Working Show Horse Classes

These classes are available for Cobs, Ponies and Riding Horses. Working Hunters were covered in Part 2. Horses will be required to jump a round of rustic fences and then proceed as if in a Show class only. The manners, confirmation and flow are all essential, as is a lot of preparation to display a rhythmic controlled jumping round.

The jump heights for Novice between 2'3 and 2'6 and for the open class the fences will be between 2'6 and 2'9. There may well be a variety of fillers, widths and ornaments to negotiate therefore it is advisable to make varied fences at home to practice over.

Make sure there is space between you and the horse in front before entering the ring and try not to follow a horse which looks like yours. Remember this is the first time the Judge is going to notice you and your horse so make an impact. Never allow yourself to become crowded and steer clear of distractions as best you can.

Always be fully aware of the Stewards and watch for any instruction from them, to change the gait or change the rein and respond.

Do not get to close to the Judge, however, before passing in front of them be sure they only have eyes for you.

As a complete class you will all be asked to walk, trot and canter around the ring on both reins until the judge is happy they have seen everyone in each gait.

The Stewards will then call the competitors into line as per the Judge's request, watch the steward very carefully and as soon as you are signalled line up.

The Judge will request each competitor in order to come forward from the line where you may be asked a couple of questions.

Politeness goes along way so do not be over familiar, be gracious and respectful. You will then be asked to provide an individual show in front of the line up, the Judge and Stewards.

A well rehearsed short show will benefit your confidence and duly translate to your horse's performance; this is where all homework and observations in preparation will pay off huge dividends.

Do not make the show to long and do not go behind the line up as the Judge will be distracted; short, good clean transitions and a free flowing rhythm are the main points. Salute and smile to the Judge at the end of your show and proceed around the back of the line up to regain your original position.

Your chosen class may require the Judge to ride your horse so make sure you have sufficient holes in your leathers to alter accordingly and that your stirrup irons are a reasonable width.

An in-hand trot up may also be required; it would be advisable to ask a helper to help you in the ring to take your saddle off and quickly groom the area and replenish and quarter marks.

The final walk around gives the Judge time to instruct the stewards as to the final line up, keep an eye on them. the steward will doff his/her hat and point ot you, always acknowledge the gesture with a nod and thank you and proceed in walk to join the line up.

The warm up arenas are always very busy and often over crowded. Horses' preparing for all sorts of classes will share the same area, always be respectful and aware of others around you.

Try and find some space of your own to gradually work your horse in and warm up.

Use lots of transitions to encourage your horse to listen to you and your aids. This helps the horse to become more engaged behind which will subsequently improve the overall balance and self carriage.

Allow the horse to see all the activity around in the warm up area so that once called into the ring, he or she will be focused on the job in hand and be totally responsive.

Excellent manners are the key to success in the show ring; therefore make sure that the warm up period is as long or short as you specifically need in order to get your horse listening to you.

Whilst warming up be aware of the other horses that will be in your class and quickly indentify naughty ones, the various types, colours and looks.

Once your class is called by the ring steard, place yourself by the horse you have chosen to follow, gather your thoughts and concentrate. This is IT!

The Cob is a type rather than a breed. A short legged animal, with good bone below the knee, substance and quality and capable of carrying a substantial weight with ease. Displaying manners is essential and they are ideal for a novice, nervous or elderly rider.

Cobs will have generous but attractive heads (sometimes roman nosed), large kind eyes, a well muscled balanced neck, strong hind legs and an overall sturdy outlook. They will have a hogged mane and well pulled tail. All of these qualities will benefit the low comfortable movement which is characteristic to the show Cob.

Lightweight Cob (minimum bone 8 ¬¨?‚Äö√Ñ√π bone beneath the knee) - mare or gelding four years old and over, not exceeding 15.1hh‚Äö√Ñ√π and capable of carrying 14 stone.

This picture shows a beautiful example of a Lightweight cob. A striking appearance, excellent conformation with good strong limbs and a very obvious kind, alert outlook.

Heavyweight cob follows the same criteria however they must be capable of carrying more than 14 stone and have a minimum of 9‚Äö√Ñ√π bone beneath the knee

Maxi Cob - mare or gelding four years old and over, exceeding 15.1hh. Short legged animals of COB type to be shown hogged.

As mentioned in the previous articles, always ask for professional advice on which class would suit your horse, visit a show as a spectator and study that class to understand what you will have to learn and what your horse will be required to do.

There are also classes for Novice, Side Saddle and Working Cobs. There are very clear rules and restrictions so make sure you are aware of those held by The British Show Horse Association.

Novice working Hunter - not having won ¬¨¬£200 in total prize money. Fences to be jumped in this class should have a minimum height of 2'9‚Äö√Ñ√π (0.85cm) and a maximum height of 3'3‚Äö√Ñ√π (1'00m)

Restricted working Hunter - not having won more than ¬¨¬£400. Maximum height of fences 3'6‚Äö√Ñ√π (1.07m)

Working Hunter - height over14.2hh (148cms) Grade A show jumpers or eventers not allowed. To be judged 60% for jumping performance (40% actual jumping, 20% style and presence), 40% as for Hunter Classes (20% ride, 20% conformation). Fences to be a minimum of eight and a maximum of 12 in number and a maximum height of 3'9‚Äö√Ñ√π (1.14m)

Dress Code for the rider

It is strongly recommended that riders 18 years old and over wear a skull cap or hat in accordance with the current approved BSI or European Standard.

Horse Turnout

No tack may be worn which conceals the horse's conformation, boots, bandages, rugs or branded clothing to be worn in the ring.

In the following articles we list the Hunter classes' definition and describe what type of horse is typical of the class. The rules and definitions are quoted from the Sport Horse Breeding Association which is the governing body of these classes, should you choose to start at unaffiliated local shows these definitions are still valid. The more professional you and your horse are prepared, the more chance of success and the possibility of progressing to County level.

We have added the desired dress codes for the disciplines; however the obvious rule is to always be smart, respectful and functional. The higher the level at which you compete the more detailed and precise the rules become, these are covered in our dress code articles.

Some key points to consider are to never wear brand new tack on the day of the show as neither you nor your horse will be comfortable in it and the tension will show.

Think about the size and style of your bridle, a wide cheek piece on a small head looks equally as poor as a fine bridle on a strong broad head, the same goes for nosebands, try a few different widths and designs to see which enhances your horse's face, you may be surprised.

Well fitted saddles are essential with clean lines; you are showing as much of the horse as possible not hindering the overall picture with a large saddle with high pommel and cantle and wide forward fitting flaps.

Hunter Classes

Hunter (both for Ridden and in-hand) A mare or gelding capable or likely to be capable of carrying its designated weight (as listed below) for a full day's hunting. It should have substance, quality and a calm, bold temperament and should have the conformation to produce high performance with sustained soundness. It should be alert, and when ridden have four athletic natural paces.